Karl drawing good reviews as UT starter

Most college coaches and recruiting services decided he was too small -- and maybe too slow -- to play at the highest levels of college football.

Tennessee's coaches disagreed. They proved it by being the only Division I school to offer Karl a scholarship. He quickly committed just before his senior season in 2003.

Now, Karl is UT's starting strongside linebacker for the season opener against Cal on Sept 2.

The former Battle Ground Academy star may be the ultimate example of a small-time prospect transforming into a big-time player.

Karl showed up at UT weighing 190 pounds. He's up to 220.

Karl claims he's 5-foot-11. Maybe while wearing cleats.

"I thought I was a decent high school athlete," Karl said with a smile. "I don't know why I wasn't highly rated."

Karl rarely played defense in high school and never at linebacker. Karl occasionally played safety for a few snaps when Battle Ground Academy needed help against passing teams.

Karl played running back, receiver, a little bit of quarterback and a whole lot of special teams, which is where he first made his mark at UT. Karl has played in 22 games, mostly covering kicks.

He seemed destined to be a starter this season. But some weren't so sure that he wouldn't be surpassed by other linebackers with more-impressive pedigrees.

"All I heard about in the newspaper was Rico (McCoy) and Andre (Mathis) and all those guys," Karl said. "I was like, 'Dang, they forgot about me.'

"That made me work a little harder and come out in practice and be more focused."

Whatever the motivation, Karl wouldn't be denied his starting position.

"Ryan's had a great camp," UT coach Phillip Fulmer said. "He's smart, tough and he's got some experience now. He's just dog determined to play."

"It's real pleasing for him to have a chance to start at linebacker,"

Karl doesn't have to look to history to find linebackers with intimidating athletic skills, unlike his own. He can just glance at his teammates.

"I still look at some of the linebackers we have right now and I feel tiny," Karl said. "I still feel real small.

Karl doesn't play small. The self-described "decent" athlete handles all of UT's defensive play calls.

"It's challenging, but I like that challenge," he said. "When I have to do all the checks and stuff, it keeps me more focused on the game."

For those that say in-state signees play harder for the Vols, Karl is a shining example. Karl cherishes every moment he's a Vol.

"I always held Tennessee on a pedestal," he said.

Karl has seen plenty of high-profile prospects come into Knoxville. He's also seen how an ego can sideline a career.

"When you come in and you have everyone praising you and everyone saying that you're going to be the best you can have the opportunity to slack off a little bit," Karl said. "When you're trying to prove something, you're never going to slack off."

When Karl first came to UT, most thought he would play safety or weakside linebacker. Surely he'd never be big enough to play on the strongside.

Now that he's locked down that position, he has some beef to counter teammates who might knock high school football in Tennessee.

"All the guys from Virginia, California, Florida, they're always talking about how bad Tennessee high school football is," Karl said. "You can't compare Tennessee high school football to that, but you like saying that we do have some athletes that can play. It's just they have more of them."

Karl likes his underdog role. It motivates him. There might even be a little chip under that shoulder pad.

"If I come out here and prove it this year," Karl said, "then I won't have it anymore."